Tourisme Gaspésie - Official websiteTourisme Gaspésie - Official website
  • Tourisme Gaspésie

    Welcome in Gaspésie!

    Mont-Joli Information Office
    Following the new measures announced by the Government of Quebec (red zone), Tourisme Gaspésie has decided to close its tourist information office to customers. However, you can reach us by email (info@tourisme-gaspesie.com) and by phone (1 800 463-0323) from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.


    1 418 775-2223   |   1 800 463-0323
    info@tourisme-gaspesie.com


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Backcountry skiing in Gaspésie

Photo : Roger St-Laurent

Zip through the powder on backcountry skis

Discover why Gaspésie is the most popular backcountry ski destination east of the Rockies!

On your own or with a guide, explore over two dozen ski areas (some of which offer transportation up the mountains) with tons of powder, including the Chic-Chocs, the FQME ski area, Murdochville and Parc national de la Gaspésie.

Plan your backcountry skiing adventures in Gaspésie now!

Welcome to Gaspésie!

Given the current situation, before you travel, please be sure to book your accommodations and check with tourism companies to find out how they are operating.

Rest assured that local companies are following the recommended public health guidelines.

As the situation continues to evolve, we will make every effort to keep this website up to date.

We look forward to welcoming you in Gaspésie!

Plan your backcountry ski trip

16 Results
  • Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs Backcountry Skiing

    Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs

    Réserve faunique de Matane
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  • Station touristique Pin Rouge Backcountry Skiing

    Station touristique Pin Rouge

    New Richmond
    Add to favorites
  • Station de ski Mont Miller Backcountry Skiing

    Station de ski Mont Miller

    Murdochville
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  • Le Petit Chamonix Backcountry Skiing

    Le Petit Chamonix

    Matapédia
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  • Parc national de la Gaspésie Backcountry Skiing

    Parc national de la Gaspésie

    Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
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  • Cap Castor Ski Hors Piste Backcountry Skiing

    Cap Castor Ski Hors Piste

    Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
    Add to favorites
  • Ski Chic-Chocs Backcountry Skiing

    Ski Chic-Chocs

    Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
    Add to favorites
  • White Lips Backcountry Skiing

    White Lips

    Murdochville
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  • Parc régional de Val d'Irène Backcountry Skiing

    Parc régional de Val d'Irène

    Saint-Irène
    Add to favorites
  • Chic-Chac Backcountry Skiing

    Chic-Chac

    Murdochville
    Add to favorites
  • Caroune Ski Shop

    Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
  • Expé Aventures

    Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
  • Le Couloir

    Murdochville
  • RAC City

    Rivière-à-Claude
  • Vallée Taconique

    Mont-Saint-Pierre
  • Vertigo Aventures

    Matane

Application « Ski Haute-Gaspésie. La route de la poudreuse »

Download the "Ski Haute-Gaspésie" application

A mobile app created by Avalanche Québec to help ensure the safety of backcountry skiers

Available on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Backcountry Skiing in Gaspésie
FAQs

1

What is backcountry skiing?

In general, backcountry skiing involves ascending a mountain and then enjoying the thrill of gliding down powdery untracked snow.

  • You can use alpine touring skis, telemark skis, a snowboard or a splitboard.
  • You will generally ascend the mountain on snowshoes or on skis with climbing skins (called “skinning”), but you can also go up on a snowcat (catskiing), snowmobile or helicopter (heliskiing).

Backcountry skiing is also called off-piste, off-trail, out-of-area or wilderness skiing and encompasses alpine touring, ski mountaineering and ski touring.

2

What level of skiing skills do I need to go backcountry skiing?

In general, a skier who can ski on all the slopes of a ski resort as well as through glades, regardless of conditions, will be able to learn to backcountry ski.

You should also be able to sustain moderate and constant physical effort for at least three hours, especially if you will be ascending the mountain on your own.

It is important to remember that backcountry skiing involves certain risks. It is strongly recommended that you use a certified guide to learn how to backcountry ski and to enjoy this activity in complete safety.

3

Is backcountry skiing dangerous?

Backcountry skiing involves certain risks and can be dangerous if you do not have enough experience as a skier, are not prepared, or do not have the proper equipment.

The level of risk varies depending on weather conditions, avalanche risk, how easy the site is to access and its proximity to rescue services. Note that cell coverage is not reliable once you are in the mountains in Gaspésie.

Avalanche Québec produces avalanche bulletins and alpine weather forecasts for the Chic-Chocs, and several companies offer guide services, training and equipment rentals.

Choose an appropriate location according to your skill level and do not hesitate to call on professionals to make the most of your outing!

For your safety, make sure you use recognized companies:

  • Providers offering courses in Gaspésie (in French only) and other providers accredited by Avalanche Canada.
4

Where can I find information about weather conditions and avalanche risk?

Avalanche Québec, the only avalanche centre in Eastern Canada, offers all the information you need to plan your outings in the Chic-Chocs in Gaspésie.*

  • Snow and weather reports: daily snowfall and mountain weather data
  • Alpine weather forecasts for the Chic-Chocs
  • Avalanche bulletins for the Chic-Chocs
  • Live webcam from Parc national de la Gaspésie with a view of Mont Albert

The "Conditions Chic-Chocs"* are accessible online, by subscribing to the newsletter and via the Ski Haute-Gaspésie mobile app.

The Avalanche Québec website also offers a wide range of educational tools, including a series of video clips and a list of Québec providers that offer training accredited by Avalanche Canada (in French only).

*Note that this page is mostly available in French only; however, you can scroll down to “Bulletin d’Avalanche des Chic-Chocs” and click on the "English Version" tab to see the avalanche bulletin in English. You can also subscribe to an English version of the avalanche bulletin at the bottom of the page; choose "English version" from the drop-down menu and click on "Envoyer" to submit your contact information.

5

Will my insurance cover backcountry skiing?

Backcountry skiing involves certain risks and is often practised in isolated areas. It is therefore particularly important to check whether your insurance covers this activity. Most of the time, insurers consider backcountry skiing an extreme sport, and an additional premium is required.

Membership in the Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l’escalade (FQME), an organization that promotes backcountry skiing in Québec, includes liability, accident and disability insurance as well as emergency medical transportation, all of which are valid throughout Canada.

In addition to avoiding incurring astronomical costs for an emergency evacuation, becoming a member of the FQME gives you access to their sites and supports the organization in developing the territory and improving site accessibility.

Note that you must be a Québec resident to become an FQME member. For more information, visit the FQME website (in French only).

6

How can I protect the environment and the woodland caribou?

The outdoor activities you enjoy in Gaspésie will take place in the natural habitats of many wildlife species. In particular, the Chic-Choc Mountains are home to woodland caribou, an endangered species. It is important to keep your distance from these animals, so as not to disturb them.

It is also a good idea to remember a few rules while you are out enjoying the great outdoors. Please bring back all your garbage, preserve the forest environment by avoiding cutting or damaging trees, and stay in the areas intended for backcountry skiing.

Ski de montagne au Parc national de la GaspésiePhoto : Roger St-Laurent Photographe

Don’t MissBackcountry Skiing

See the Blog

 
Beginner's Guide to Backcountry Skiing in Gaspésie... [read the article]
Guided Backcountry Skiing in Gaspésie... [read the article]
Self-Guided Backcountry Skiing in the Chic-Chocs... [read the article]
Self-Guided Backcountry Skiing at Val d'Irène and FQME Sites... [read the article]

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